What is Grace 365?
Since 2014, Central Texas Table of Grace has operated a temporary shelter for displaced foster children between the ages of 6-17. We have seen first-hand the heartbreaking outcome for many of these kids when they turn 18. Statistics show much higher instances of early pregnancy, homelessness, addiction, incarceration and unemployment are for kids who age out of foster care.
- Each year, more than 23,000 children age out of the system, with 20% of them becoming instantly homeless
- Less than 2% go to college (despite Texas foster kids receiving free college) and many of them age out without a high school diploma
- Only half of foster kids who age out of the system will have gainful employment by the age of 24
- It is VERY rare that a foster kid ages out with a car in their possession, or a driver’s license for that matter.
Enter our new program, called “Grace365,” a Supervised Independent Living program for kids 18-22 who have aged out of foster care. Phase 1, which is already in-progress, involves leasing an apartment and connecting the youth with a home, existing services, mentoring and guidance. Phase 2, is the long-term goal, creating a Tiny Home Village, complete with all the amenities of an upscale apartment community. There will be a community center where we will provide meals a few times a week, an office and print center, a computer lab, a gym, a garden and an on-site doctor’s office. There will be mentoring, education, services, and we will create jobs for the kids right there in their own community if they choose.
Grace365 as a New Program
Grace365 - Long-Term Goal (Tiny Home Village)
G365’s end goal is a centralized housing program, using a Tiny Home Village model. Below is a preliminary sketch.
